๐๐ฒ๐๐ฒ๐ฟ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ง๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐บ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป: ๐ง๐ต๐ฒ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ๐ป๐ฒ๐ ๐ผ๐ณ ๐๐น๐๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ด๐ฒ
Elsy George, a homemaker from Aneri in Kottathara Panchayat, Wayanad, transformed her life after connecting with Swayam Shikshan Prayog India (SSP) in 2019. Through SSPโs training on sustainable farming, Elsy gained knowledge in climate-resilient practices, inspiring her to pursue farming with a renewed passion.
With SSPโs support, Elsy was instrumental in creating a nutrient-rich garden and promoting the use of indigenous seeds. She joined the Sakhi Farmers Group, a platform formed by SSP that empowered women farmers to collaborate and implement organic farming techniques, reducing dependence on harmful pesticides.
Elsy diversified her crops, cultivating cucumbers, tomatoes, turmeric, and dragon fruit, while also breeding ornamental fish, earning a steady income of INR 600 per month since 2021. Using manure and urine from her cows, she applied organic fertilizers and pesticides, minimizing disease risks and promoting sustainable agriculture.
Elsyโs efforts extended beyond her own farm as she collected indigenous seeds and shared her knowledge with fellow farmers. With resources and guidance from the Agriculture Department, Elsy helped transform her community, developing 15 women into sustainable farmers.
Under her leadership, the farmers of Aneri adopted modern techniques like integrated pest management, reducing chemical pesticide use and improving yields. The shift towards organic farming fostered environmental sustainability and better health for families.
Elsyโs journey from homemaker to model farmer highlights the power of determination and community-driven agriculture. She believes that โgrowing a diverse range of vegetables collectively enhances the nutrition and health of families and communities.โ Her work, supported by SSP, has empowered women and created a lasting impact on farming practices in Wayanad, proving that when women are equipped with knowledge, they become agents of change.
Swayam Shikshan Prayog
October 28, 2024